Afghan officials say the intelligence officer was shot dead early Thursday in Zabul's Dai Chopan district. They say the attackers managed to flee the scene and that despite a massive manhunt no suspects have been arrested.

Meanwhile, in Helmand's Nurja district, a Muslim cleric was wounded by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A purported Taleban spokesman claimed responsibility for both incidents.

Taleban militants and their supporters have stepped up their violent campaign aimed at disrupting Afghanistan's parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18.